Velas

The island of Mallorca, Spain, has played a large role in Betty’s life during the last fifteen years, so much so that she bought a home and opened a studio there in 2000. In 2005 the artist was given her 35 Year Retrospective, hosted by the City of Palma, at the centuries old Casal Solleric in downtown’s historic district.

The sculpture series, ‘Velas de Mar’, premiered in Betty’s solo exhibition at Museu Ca’n Prunera in Sóller, Mallorca, in 2010. The sculptures, photographs, and an accompanying short film, all inspired by the movement of sailboats on the Mediterranean, were completed during the time she lived in the culturally-driven seaport city of Palma.

The Government of the Balearic Islands commissioned ‘Velas II’ to be built as part of their highway beautification project. It stands 26’ tall (8 meters) at a major interchange on the island of Mallorca. She has also shown alongside the work of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro at the Estación del Ferrocarril de Sóller, in Sóller, Mallorca, and at Casa Pomar Flores.

Her work can be found at the Es Baluard Museu d'Art Modern i Contemporani de Palma, and in the exclusive Pedro Serra Collection. Another government commissioned piece, “Tiron I”, sits on the Esplanade at the base of the old bastion of Sant Pere, a 16th-century fortress overlooking Palma's bay.